Creating the size of an object

[an42drew]

Hello there,

I am creating flat patterns of sheet metal parts and i would like cad to do some calculations for me.

For example when i am creating an object , be it a rectangle or simply a line , i dont want to have to work out my sizes on the calculator then input the size to create the object. I would like cad to do the sum for me by inputting my sum straight into the dimension of the object i am creating. E.g CLick rectangle, select a start point and type 1200-375+37+37+10+10, Then tabbing to do a similar thing for the width

The way i draw flat patterns is to start with the overall size then chop into that shape to create a finished pattern. I also have used Inventor and a software for cnc punching called Cadman. Both of these programs you can do this and what with Inventor also being a creation of autodesk i would have thought this could be done in cad as well. 

Is there an add on or a simple command that will let me do this.

Any questions or if i am not explaining myself properly feel free to ask.

Thanks

[JDMather]

You can use the transparent calculator 'cal within a command, but its not quite the same thing as Inventor.

[W2CAD]

Or you could type:
(+(- 1200 375) 37 37 10 10)

[GrantsPirate]

You can type (- 1200 375 (+ 37 37 10 10)) at the command line when it is asking for a length. A simple example would be (- 1200 375) or (+ 25 12 34) when dividing use a decimal place so it won't round off (/ 12 5.0)

[an42drew]

Thanks for your responses. I can use that format of equation for a line but cant get it to work for a rectangle where two dimensions are needed.

It wont let me tab to the next dimension.

[GrantsPirate · Accepted solution]

Rectangle, specify first corner point, (D)imensions, (+ xx xxx), (+ xyx xyy).

[GrantsPirate]

I can't edit for some reason so I will clarify here. Rectangle specify first corner point (D)imensions (+ xx xxx) (+ xyx xyy)

[an42drew]

Thats works a treat thanks.

Its not as seemless as Inventor or the Cadman package i used to use, but it works.

[dgorsman]

You can also assign constraints in AutoCAD (again, not as good as Inventor; its NOT Inventor, after all) then edit the constraints.